Parnngurr Community School

Parnngurr Community School Aboriginal Corporation in the Great Sandy Desert is a unique independent Aboriginal School.  Catering for Kindergarten, Preschool, Primary, Secondary and Adult education programs, the school provides education for 70 students. The students work in four classes Kindergarten/Junior Primary, Middle/Upper Primary, Secondary and an Adult education class.  Strong emphasis is placed on two-way education, that is, education where language and culture of the students are cherished while providing an understanding of the non-Aboriginal culture of Australia.  Emphasis is placed on development of high level literacy and numeracy skills.

The school is community-centred and community-controlled. The School Board, consisting of Aboriginal  community members representing the community, works with the school Principal and staff to develop school policy and ensure the efficient operation of the school.






The school employs five qualified teachers. Several Aboriginal Education Workers are also employed in the school.

The student’s first language is Martu-Wangka (combination of the four desert languages spoken). Martu-Wangka classes are taught daily. Literacy is taught in English through the National Accelerated Literacy Program (formally called Scaffolding Literacy). This is a supported literacy approach that has shown great success with indigenous students. The school provides a rich cultural program that includes weekly bush trips. Community members come on these trips and share their skills with the students and school staff.

The Parnngurr Community consists of a group of approximately 150 Western Desert Aborigines who returned to traditional land. The school was established in 1989 and the community members moved into permanent housing, with the facilities of water and power, at the end of 1992.

The community is firm in its commitment to maintaining an alcohol-free environment thus endeavouring to provide a place of traditional values for their children.

The desert community has been built in the shadow of twin hills of particular significance to the people at the southern end of the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) National Park. It is in beautiful surroundings in perhaps one of the most remote corners of Australia.

The community receives mail twice a week by charter plane. Facilities in the community include a small store, 24 hour medical clinic, community office and oval. Telephone, fax and internet services along with water and power supply add to the community’s facilities.

The community is located 380 kms north, north-east from the town of Newman and is accessed by a good unsealed road.

Parnngurr Community School
Parnngurr Community, Karlamilyi, Great Sandy Desert
PMB 14
NEWMAN  WA  6753
ph:   (08) 9176 9003
fax:  (08) 9191 9066
e-mail:  principal@parnngurrschool.org
Website Links:  www.parnngurrschool.com.au

Principal:  Mr Daniel Lynch
Chairperson:  Ms Raylene Robinson